Failed Diplomacy

After leaving the Clan genetic repository, the Republican forces encounter two recon lances from the First Sword of Light. They initially attempt to claim neutrality, but their efforts are only answered with weapons fire.

After-Action Report

The superior skill and experience of the Republican forces shows and after destroying an entire lance of Sworders, the remaining units flee. Most of the Republican mechs only take minor damage, although Hurtado’s Osprey does suffer significant damage.

Our Last Hope

To reach the spaceport, the Republican forces would have to make it past a full battalion of the First Sword of Light. On the positive side, they had been joined by the Nova Cat’s Ninth Battle Cluster, led by Star Colonel Kadir Nostra. On the negative side, another full battalion of the First Genyosha were hot on the Ninth’s trail. The Nova Cat/Republic forces would have to smash through the First Sword of Light’s lines as fast as possible.

After-Action Report

Splitting into two groups, the Nova Cat/Republic forces forced the First Sword of Light to split their attention. They came in hard and although damage was heavy on both sides, they managed to get the better of the First Sword of Light and broke through on both flanks. Smoke artillery from the tubes at the spaceport proved critical in the breakthrough. The right flank, facing off against more assault mechs, was harder pressed.

The 2nd Irece PGC stationed at the spaceport came forward to assist, while the Nova Cat/Republic forces fought a running battle with the pursuing Drac units, while aerospace fighters battled overhead. As the remaining units boarded, a small rearguard party held the line against the surging Genyosha units. Rather than try to board, this rearguard unit held back the Dracs until they fell to the last man, while the rest of the unit accelerated into space.

In the end the Nova Cat/Republican forces were able to load and evacuate slightly more than half their forces. Tragically, both Gideon Nostra-Gardbaum and Star Colonel Kadir Nostra were killed in the rearguard action.

Void of Sorrow

As the dropships carrying the remaining Nova Cat/Republican forces accelerate toward their rendezvous point, they are forced to deal with a Draconis Combine task force on an intercept course. Thankfully, they are joined by the heavy firepower of two Nagasawa assault craft when these craft appear from their pre-appointed hiding spots near Irece’s moon. They would need those Nagasawas to deal with the devastating firepower of the Taihou assault dropships leading the Kurita forces.

After-Action Report

The assault ships and fighters moved ahead in an attemp to screen the transports. This strategy worked althoug the Republican Avenger-class assault dropship was disintegrated by the combined firepower of the Taihou assault ships.

Meanwhile, the mission became more complicated when the flotilla was hailed by two Mule-class dropships who were closing in. They were carrying civilian refugees from Irece and had a Kurita fighter squadron on their tail. Star Commander Benjamin led his fighter star back to provide support, although it cost the lives of several clan pilots.

The remaining units were able to survive the initial clash although several took serious damage from the Kurita assault ships. Accelerating to three G’s, the ragged flotilla continued on to its rendezvous point.